Cost Of Living For a Couple in Cuenca 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Cuenca

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: USD
400 1,200 6,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average monthly spending for couples in Cuenca

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Cuenca?

Couples in Cuenca spend around 1,200 USD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 400 USD or as high as 6,300 USD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Cuenca


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Cuenca

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

1 USD 2 USD 3.4 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Restaurant meal for one

3.5 USD 5.2 USD 10 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fine dining meal for one

6.9 USD 10 USD 42 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Cappuccino or latte

0.85 USD 1.4 USD 2 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

0.68 USD 0.82 USD 1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

12 eggs

0.51 USD 0.68 USD 1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fresh whole chicken

1.2 USD 1.5 USD 2.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Pack of beef

1.4 USD 2 USD 4.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Medium bag of rice

0.55 USD 0.75 USD 1.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bag of tomatos

0.20 USD 0.27 USD 0.51 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bag of apples

0.36 USD 0.48 USD 0.78 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Cuenca


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

0.87 USD 1 USD 2.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car full tank

5.1 USD 6.8 USD 14 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car 1-day rental

5.3 USD 7.1 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car price

2,500 USD 5,100 USD 6,800 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bus ticket one way

0.18 USD 0.27 USD 0.53 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Car Service

7.1 USD 11 USD 21 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Cuenca


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

16 USD 54 USD 350 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Internet and cable

5.1 USD 10 USD 14 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile phone charges

4.1 USD 6.8 USD 20 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

2.5 USD 3.4 USD 5.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

One month gym membership

8.5 USD 11 USD 21 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Cuenca


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

6.2 USD 8.8 USD 13 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Woman dress

5.9 USD 8.2 USD 27 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Woman shoes

5.6 USD 7.6 USD 18 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Men's shoes

4.8 USD 5.9 USD 12 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Men suit

5.3 USD 6.6 USD 35 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Regular t-shirt

2.7 USD 3.5 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Cuenca


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

88 USD 130 USD 350 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment

130 USD 210 USD 530 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment

180 USD 270 USD 710 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

18,000 USD 27,000 USD 53,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment

21,000 USD 35,000 USD 130,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment

35,000 USD 110,000 USD 210,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Cuenca


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

100 USD 130 USD 170 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Double Bed

68 USD 100 USD 130 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Single Bed

60 USD 78 USD 100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Living Room

110 USD 150 USD 510 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Dining Table

51 USD 68 USD 130 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Sofa or Couch

68 USD 93 USD 200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Cuenca


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

68 USD 100 USD 200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fridge or Freezer

60 USD 93 USD 130 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Washing Machine

78 USD 110 USD 200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Stove or Cooker

73 USD 93 USD 130 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile Phone

85 USD 100 USD 150 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Laptop or Computer

93 USD 110 USD 200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Cuenca

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Cuenca

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Cuenca

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

75% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Cuenca spend around 81% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 75% of their income while some as high as 90%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Cuenca

How do couples spend their money in Cuenca?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW130 USD
AVERAGE400 USD
HIGH2,200 USD
Per Month

Couples in Cuenca typically spend from 19% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 400 USD with expenditure ranging from 130 USD to 2,200 USD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW16 USD
AVERAGE54 USD
HIGH350 USD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cuenca ranges from 6% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 54 USD with 16 USD and 350 USD being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW48 USD
AVERAGE140 USD
HIGH760 USD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 48 USD to 760 USD in a month on commuting with 140 USD being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 14%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW56 USD
AVERAGE170 USD
HIGH890 USD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Cuenca is 170 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 56 USD to 890 USD. Couples spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 22% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW44 USD
AVERAGE130 USD
HIGH700 USD
Per Month

Couples in Cuenca allocate 8% to 18% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 14%. The range of medical expenses range from 44 USD to 700 USD with 130 USD being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW24 USD
AVERAGE71 USD
HIGH380 USD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 24 USD to 380 USD with 71 USD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW7.9 USD
AVERAGE24 USD
HIGH130 USD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 24 USD per month with 7.9 USD being the minimum spent amount and 130 USD being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW67 USD
AVERAGE200 USD
HIGH1,100 USD
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Cuenca

What percentage of couples in Cuenca are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
58%
Not Saving
42%

Almost 58% of surveyed couples in Cuenca said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 42% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Cuenca

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

130 USD 400 USD 2,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 9% to 29% of their monthly income to their savings, with 16% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 400 USD with 130 USD and 2,200 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Cuenca

Saving Challenges in Cuenca

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Cuenca. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Cuenca

Typical saving choices for couples in Cuenca

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Cuenca

Affordable living in Cuenca

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cuenca?


Yes
58%
No
42%

Around 58% of surveyed couples think that living in Cuenca is affordable with proper budgeting while 42% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Cuenca

Low-cost alternatives in Cuenca

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the couples living in Cuenca have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Cuenca whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes55%

No45%


Based on the survey, 45% of the couples living in Cuenca said that they don't have an emergency fund while 55% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Cuenca

Financial Literacy in Ecuador

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy53%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Cuenca whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 47% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 53% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Ecuador have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 47% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 53% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance47%

Easily manages finances53%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Cuenca

Financial goals of couples in Cuenca

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Cuenca, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Cuenca

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Cuenca


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the couples in Cuenca have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Cuenca

Debt-to-income ratio in Cuenca

Debt to income ratio

31%

23% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of a couple's monthly income in Cuenca goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Cuenca pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Cuenca

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Cuenca confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Cuenca.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Cuenca

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Cuenca how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Cuenca

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cuenca

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Cuenca

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

88 USD 130 USD 350 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

130 USD 210 USD 530 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

180 USD 270 USD 710 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

210 USD 350 USD 970 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

420 USD 1,100 USD 2,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Townhouse monthly rent cost

350 USD 530 USD 1,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

House monthly rent cost

420 USD 1,100 USD 2,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Villa monthly rent cost

530 USD 1,300 USD 2,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cuenca ranges between 88 USD and 350 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 130 USD to 530 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 180 USD and 710 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 210 USD to 970 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in Cuenca is around 530 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 1,100 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 530 USD to 2,100 USD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Cuenca

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

18,000 USD 27,000 USD 53,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment price

21,000 USD 35,000 USD 130,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment price

35,000 USD 110,000 USD 210,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

3-bedroom apartment price

120,000 USD 180,000 USD 530,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Townhouse price

150,000 USD 350,000 USD 1.3M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

House price

180,000 USD 1.1M USD 1.5M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Villa price

210,000 USD 1.2M USD 1.8M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a studio apartment in Cuenca can range from 18,000 USD to 53,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 21,000 USD to 130,000 USD. A villa can cost you 1.2M USD on average with prices ranging from 210,000 USD to 1.8M USD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Cuenca will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


32 x92 monthly income 194
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Cuenca can be x92 to x194 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x92 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cuenca.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


19% 29% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Cuenca is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
26%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.7%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


1.6 USD 21 USD 210 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Cuenca

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Cuenca

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

16 USD 54 USD 350 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Internet and cable cost

5.1 USD 10 USD 14 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile phone bill and charges

4.1 USD 6.8 USD 20 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 54 USD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 5.1 USD to 14 USD with 10 USD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 6.8 USD but can range between 4.1 USD and 20 USD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Cuenca is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Cuenca

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Cuenca

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

1 USD 2 USD 3.4 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Cuenca is approximatly 2 USD with meal cost ranging from 1 USD to 3.4 USD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

3.5 USD 5.2 USD 10 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 3.5 USD and 10 USD with 5.2 USD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Cuenca.

Fine dining meal for one price

6.9 USD 10 USD 42 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 6.9 USD to 42 USD with the average cost being 10 USD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Cuenca.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

0.85 USD 1.4 USD 2 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Cuenca is around 1.4 USD. Price ranges between 0.85 USD and 2 USD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

0.68 USD 0.82 USD 1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Cuenca is 0.82 USD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1 USD and the minimum being 0.68 USD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

0.51 USD 0.68 USD 1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A dozen eggs costs around 0.68 USD on average with 0.51 USD and 1 USD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1.2 USD 1.5 USD 2.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Cuenca is between 1.2 USD and 2.1 USD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1.5 USD.

Pack of beef price

1.4 USD 2 USD 4.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 2 USD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

0.55 USD 0.75 USD 1.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of rice in Cuenca costs around 0.75 USD on average with prices rangeing between 0.55 USD and 1.1 USD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.20 USD 0.27 USD 0.51 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.20 USD to 0.51 USD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.36 USD 0.48 USD 0.78 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of apples costs 0.48 USD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Cuenca is around 27%. This means that couples spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 56 USD to 890 USD with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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